U.S. patent application number 10/632027 was filed with the patent office on 2005-02-10 for electrical connector assembly for coupling medical leads to implantable medical devices.
This patent application is currently assigned to Medtronic, Inc.. Invention is credited to Lahti, Jay, Ries, Andrew J..
Application Number | 20050033138 10/632027 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 34115779 |
Filed Date | 2005-02-10 |
United States Patent
Application |
20050033138 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Ries, Andrew J. ; et
al. |
February 10, 2005 |
Electrical connector assembly for coupling medical leads to
implantable medical devices
Abstract
The invention is directed to an electrical connector assembly
for facilitating electrical connection between a medical lead and
circuitry of an implantable medical device (IMD). The electrical
connector assembly integrates a conductive element with a
elastomeric seal in order to achieve a simplified structure for
electrically coupling of a lead to circuitry of the IMD and also
providing a hermetic seal. The invention facilitates simplified and
improved electrical coupling of a medical lead to circuitry of the
IMD.
Inventors: |
Ries, Andrew J.; (Lino
Lakes, MN) ; Lahti, Jay; (Shoreview, MN) |
Correspondence
Address: |
MEDTRONIC, INC.
710 MEDTRONIC PARKWAY NE
MS-LC340
MINNEAPOLIS
MN
55432-5604
US
|
Assignee: |
Medtronic, Inc.
|
Family ID: |
34115779 |
Appl. No.: |
10/632027 |
Filed: |
July 31, 2003 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
600/377 ;
600/378; 607/37 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A61N 1/056 20130101;
A61N 1/3752 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
600/377 ;
600/378; 607/037 |
International
Class: |
A61B 005/04; A61N
001/18 |
Claims
1. An electrical connector assembly for a medical device
comprising: an elastomeric element defining a hole to receive a
portion of a medical lead; and a conductive element conforming to
an end of the elastomeric element such that, upon insertion of the
medical lead through the hole, the conductive element electrically
couples to an electrical contact element of the medical lead.
2. The electrical connector assembly of claim 1, wherein the
elastomeric element is formed with a seal ring inside the hole to
bias against an inserted lead.
3. The electrical connector assembly of claim 1, wherein the
conductive element comprises a conductive ring with tab-like
elements extending radially inward from the ring, wherein the
conductive ring fits about the end of the electrometric element and
the tab-like elements are bent to conform to an inner surface of
the hole.
4. The electrical connector assembly of claim 3, wherein distal
tips of the tab-like elements are bent toward the elastomeric
element such that the tab-like elements form J-like shapes.
5. The electrical connector assembly of claim 1, wherein upon
insertion of the medical lead through the hole, the elastomeric
element biases the conductive element against the medical lead.
6. A connector module for an implantable medical device comprising:
a structure formed with a channel to receive a medical lead, the
structure defining an access hole to the channel; and an electrical
connector assembly positioned in the channel, the electrical
connector assembly including an elastomeric element defining a hole
to receive a portion of a medical lead, and a conductive element
conforming to an end of the elastomeric element such that upon
insertion of the medical lead through the hole, the conductive
element electrically couples to an electrical contact element of
the medical lead.
7. The connector module of claim 6, wherein the elastomeric element
is formed with a seal ring inside the hole to bias against the
medical lead following insertion of the medical lead through the
hole.
8. The connector module of claim 6, wherein the conductive element
comprises a conductive ring with tab-like elements extending
radially inward from the ring, wherein the conductive ring fits
about the end of the electrometric element and the tab-like
elements are bent to conform to an inner surface of the hole.
9. The connector module of claim 8, wherein distal tips of the
tab-like elements are bent towards the elastomeric element such
that the tab-like elements form J-like shapes.
10. The connector module of claim 6, wherein upon insertion of the
medical lead through the hole, the elastomeric element biases the
conductive element against the medical lead.
11. The connector module of claim 6, further comprising: a
plurality of access holes to the channel; and a plurality of
electrical connector assemblies positioned in the channel, wherein
following insertion of the medical lead a plurality of in-line
electrical contacts of the medical lead electrically couple
respectively to the plurality of electrical connector
assemblies.
12. The connector module of claim 11, wherein the connector module
conforms to an IS-4 connector standard for implantable medical
devices.
13. An implantable medical device comprising: a housing; circuitry
within the housing; a connector module connected to the housing and
including a structure formed with a channel and defining an access
hole to the channel; a medical lead in the channel; and an
electrical connector assembly positioned in the channel, the
electrical connector assembly including an elastomeric element
defining a hole to receive a portion of a medical lead, and a
conductive element conforming to an end of the elastomeric element
such that upon insertion of the medical lead through the hole, the
conductive element electrically couples to an electrical contact
element of the medical lead.
14. The implantable medical device of claim 13, wherein the
elastomeric element is formed with a seal ring inside the hole to
bias against the medical lead following insertion of the medical
lead through the hole.
15. The implantable medical device of claim 13, wherein the
conductive element comprises a conductive ring with tab-like
elements extending radially inward from the ring, wherein the
conductive ring fits about the end of the electrometric element and
the tab-like elements are bent to conform to an inner surface of
the hole.
16. The implantable medical device of claim 15, wherein distal tips
of the tab-like elements are bent towards the elastomeric element
such that the tab-like elements form J-like shapes.
17. The implantable medical device of claim 13, wherein upon
insertion of the medical lead through the hole, the elastomeric
element biases the conductive element against the medical lead.
18. The implantable medical device of claim 13, the connector
module further comprising a plurality of access holes to the
channel, and a plurality of electrical connector assemblies
positioned in the channel, wherein following insertion of the
medical lead a plurality of in-line electrical contacts of the
medical lead electrically couple respectively to the plurality of
electrical connector assemblies.
19. The implantable medical device of claim 17, wherein the medical
lead and the connector module conform to an IS-4 connector standard
for implantable medical devices.
20. A method comprising: forming a conductive element; forming an
elastomeric element to include a seal ring inside a hole; and
assembling the conductive element to an end of the elastomeric
element to form electrical connector assembly with an integrated
seal.
21. The method of claim 20, further comprising: forming the
conductive element as a conductive ring with tab-like elements
extending radially inward from the ring; and assembling the
conductive element to the end of the elastomeric element bending
the tab-like elements to conform to an inner surface defined the
hole.
22. The method of claim 21, further comprising bending distal tips
of the tab-like elements towards the elastomeric element such that
the tab-like elements form J-like shapes that conform to the hole.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] Cross-reference is hereby made to commonly assigned related
U.S. application Ser. No. ______, filed concurrently herewith,
docket number P-111616, entitled "CONNECTOR ASSEMBLY FOR CONNECTING
A LEAD AND AN IMPLANTABLE MEDICAL DEVICE", docket number P-11122,
entitled "SMALL FORMAT CONNECTOR CLIP OF AN IMPLANTABLE MEDICAL
DEVICE", and docket number P-9173, entitled "CONNECTOR ASSEMBLY FOR
CONNECTING A LEAD AND AN IMPLANTABLE MEDICAL DEVICE", incorporated
herein by reference in their entirety.
TECHNICAL FIELD
[0002] The invention relates to medical leads of implantable
medical devices (IMDs) and, more particularly, to electrical
connectors that facilitate electrical coupling between the medical
leads and circuitry of the IMD.
BACKGROUND
[0003] In the medical field, leads are used with a wide variety of
medical devices. For example, leads are commonly implemented to
form part of implantable cardiac pacemakers that provide
therapeutic stimulation to the heart by delivering pacing,
cardioversion or defibrillation pulses. The pulses can be delivered
to the heart via electrodes disposed on the leads, e.g., typically
near distal ends of the leads. In that case, the leads position the
electrodes with respect to various cardiac locations so that the
pacemaker can deliver pulses to the appropriate locations. Leads
are also used for sensing purposes, or both sensing and stimulation
purposes.
[0004] In addition, leads are used in neurological devices such as
deep-brain stimulation devices, and spinal cord stimulation
devices. In that case, the leads are stereotactically probed into
the brain to position electrodes for deep brain stimulation. Leads
are also used with a wide variety of other medical devices,
including devices that provide muscular stimulation therapy,
devices that sense chemical conditions in a patient's blood, and
the like. In short, medical leads can be used for sensing purposes,
stimulation purposes, or both.
[0005] One challenge in implementing medical leads in an
implantable medical device (IMD) is the electrical coupling between
a respective lead and sensing or stimulation circuitry of the IMD.
An IMD typically includes one or more leads, a housing that houses
circuitry of the IMD, and a connector module that couples the leads
to the circuitry. In particular, the connector module typically
includes electrical contact structures for coupling a medical lead
to circuitry within the housing of the IMD so that therapeutic
simulation can be provided through the lead, or sensed conditions
can be recorded by the circuitry. In addition, the connector module
includes seal rings that provide hermetic barriers between the
electrical contact structures. The leads are inserted into the
connector module in order to achieve such electrical coupling
between the lead and the circuitry of the IMD.
[0006] Various connection standards have been developed in order to
ensure electrical connections between the IMD circuitry and the
medical lead are acceptable, while also maintaining a sufficient
hermetic seal between the connector module and the lead to avoid
ingress of body fluids into the housing. These standards continue
to evolve in order to accommodate new lead designs, such as in-line
leads that include a plurality of electrodes and a plurality of
electrical contact areas disposed along the lead.
[0007] There remains a need for lead connector configurations that
are simple to use and inexpensive to fabricate. Improved simplicity
can help ensure that physicians can make the electrical connections
during implantation of the IMD with minimal concern for electrical
coupling malfunction. Reduced fabrication expense can help ensure
that patient costs associated with an IMD are minimized.
SUMMARY
[0008] In general, the invention is directed to electrical
connector assemblies for facilitating electrical connection between
a medical lead and circuitry of an implantable medical device
(IMD). Various embodiments are directed toward an electrical
connector assembly, an IMD, a connector module for an IMD, and
methods of fabricating an electrical connector assembly of an IMD.
For example, the electrical connector assembly described herein
integrates a conductive element with a elastomeric seal in order to
achieve a simplified structure for electrically coupling a lead to
circuitry of the IMD while also providing a hermetic seal.
[0009] In one embodiment, the invention provides an electrical
connector assembly for a medical device comprising an elastomeric
element defining a hole to receive a portion of a medical lead, and
a conductive element conforming to an end of the elastomeric
element such that upon insertion of the medical lead through the
hole, the conductive element electrically couples to an electrical
contact element of the medical lead.
[0010] In another embodiment, the invention provides a connector
module for an implantable medical device comprising a structure
formed with a channel to receive a medical lead, the structure
defining an access hole to the channel, and an electrical connector
assembly positioned in the channel. The electrical connector
assembly includes an elastomeric element defining a hole to receive
a portion of a medical lead, and a conductive element conforming to
an end of the elastomeric element such that upon insertion of the
medical lead through the hole, the conductive element electrically
couples to an electrical contact element of the medical lead.
[0011] In another embodiment, the invention provides an implantable
medical device comprising a housing, circuitry within the housing,
a connector module connected to the housing and including a
structure formed with a channel and defining an access hole to the
channel, a medical lead in the channel, and an electrical connector
assembly positioned in the channel. The electrical connector
assembly includes an elastomeric element defining a hole to receive
a portion of a medical lead, and a conductive element conforming to
an end of the elastomeric element such that upon insertion of the
medical lead through the hole, the conductive element electrically
couples to an electrical contact element of the medical lead.
[0012] In another embodiment, the invention provides a method
comprising forming a conductive element, forming an elastomeric
element to include a seal ring inside a hole, and assembling the
conductive element to an end of the elastomeric element to form
electrical connector assembly with an integrated seal.
[0013] Additional details of various embodiments are set forth in
the accompanying drawings and the description below. Other
features, objects and advantages will become apparent from the
description and drawings, and from the claims.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS
[0014] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an implantable medical
device (IMD) that can incorporate various aspects of the
invention.
[0015] FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view of components of a
connector module of an IMD according to an embodiment of the
invention.
[0016] FIGS. 3 and 4 are exploded perspective views of components
of connector modules of an IMD according to additional embodiments
of the invention.
[0017] FIG. 5 is a perspective view of an electrical connector
assembly according to an embodiment of the invention.
[0018] FIG. 6 is a top view of electrical connector assembly
illustrated in FIG. 5.
[0019] FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional side view of an electrical
connector assembly and a portion of a medical lead inserted through
the electrical connector assembly according to an embodiment of the
invention.
[0020] FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional side view of a distal tip of a
tab-like element of a conductive element that forms part of the
electrical connector assembly.
[0021] FIG. 9 is a perspective view of an exemplary conductive
element comprising a conductive ring and conductive tab-like
elements extending radially inward with respect to the conductive
ring.
[0022] FIG. 10 is a top view of the conductive element with
tab-like elements being bent inward at an approximately 90-degree
angle relative to the position of tab-like elements shown in FIG.
9.
[0023] FIG. 11 is a side view of the conductive element illustrated
in FIG. 10.
[0024] FIGS. 12-15 are perspective views illustrating fabrication
of an electrical connector assembly as described herein.
[0025] FIG. 16 is a flow diagram illustrating a process for
fabricating an electrical connector assembly as described
herein.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0026] The invention is directed to electrical connector assemblies
for facilitating electrical connection between a medical lead and
circuitry of an implantable medical device (IMD). The electrical
connector assembly described herein integrates a conductive element
with an elastomeric seal in order to achieve a simplified structure
for electrically coupling a lead to circuitry of the IMD and also
to achieve a good hermetic seal. The electrical connector assembly
includes an elastomeric element formed with a hole to mate with a
portion of medical lead, and a conductive element conforming to an
end of the elastomeric element such that upon insertion of the
medical lead through the hole, the conductive element electrically
couples to the medical lead. The invention achieves improved
electrical coupling and can reduce fabrication costs associated
with production of an implantable medical device.
[0027] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an IMD 1 that includes one
or more medical leads 2A, 2B (collectively leads 2). In general,
IMD 1 includes a housing 5 that houses IMD circuitry, one or more
leads 2A, 2B that can be implanted in a patient, and a connector
module 7 that receives proximal ends 9A, 9B of leads 2 to couple
leads 2 to the circuitry in housing 5.
[0028] As illustrated in FIG. 1 with respect to lead 2A, the
proximal end 9A of lead 2A includes a plurality of electrical
contact areas 8A-8J (collectively contact areas 8). The invention
facilitates electrical coupling to one or more of contact areas 8
within connector module 7. Moreover, the invention improves such
contact for inline configurations like FIG. 1 in which a plurality
of electrical contact areas 8 are positioned axially along a length
of lead 2A. In particular, the invention may allow size reductions
of contact areas 8 by improving electrical coupling assemblies that
electrically interface with contact areas 8 inside connector module
7. For example, the invention integrates an elastomeric hermetic
seal with a conductive electrical contact element in order to
achieve such size reductions.
[0029] IMD 1 may correspond to any medical device that includes
medical leads and circuitry coupled to the medical leads. By way of
example, IMD 1 can take the form of an implantable cardiac
pacemaker that provides therapeutic stimulation to the heart.
Alternatively, IMD 1 may take the form of an implantable
cardioverter or an implantable defibrillator, or an implantable
cardiac pacemaker-cardioverter-defibrillator. In those cases, IMD 1
delivers pacing, cardioversion or defibrillation pulses to a
patient via electrodes disposed on distal ends of leads 2. In other
words, leads 2 position electrodes with respect to various cardiac
locations so that IMD 1 can deliver pulses to the appropriate
locations.
[0030] Alternatively, IMD 1 may correspond to a patient monitoring
device, or a device that integrates monitoring and stimulation
features. In those cases, leads 2 can include sensors disposed on
distal ends of the respective lead for sensing patient conditions.
The sensors can comprise electrical sensors, electrochemical
sensors, pressure sensors, flow sensors, acoustic sensors, optical
sensors, or the like. In many cases, IMD 1 performs both sensing
and stimulation functions.
[0031] In still other applications, IMD 1 may correspond to a
neurological device such as a deep-brain stimulation device or a
spinal cord stimulation device. In those cases, leads 2 can be
stereotactically probed into the brain to position electrodes for
deep brain stimulation or into the spine for spinal stimulation. In
other applications, IMD 1 provides muscular stimulation therapy,
blood sensing functions, and the like. In short, IMD 1 may
correspond to any of a wide variety of medical devices that
implement leads and circuitry coupled to the leads.
[0032] As outlined in greater detail below, connector module 7
incorporates a connector assembly that improves and simplifies
electrical coupling between leads 2 and circuitry in housing 5.
More specifically, electrical connector assemblies integrating an
elastomeric element with a conductive element are described which
can provide an improved conductive interface between a medical lead
and IMD circuitry. In addition, the invention may reduce
fabrication costs associated with production of IMD 1. The
described connector assemblies integrate an elastomeric seal with
the conductive electrical contact element, thereby avoiding the
need for separate fluid seals between conductive contact elements
within connector module 7. Moreover, in addition to forming a seal,
the elastomeric material also provides a biasing structure that
tends to bias the conductive electrical contact element against an
inserted medical lead for improved electrical interconnection.
[0033] FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view of components that
form at least part of a connector module 7 of an IMD 1. In
particular, a connector block structure 20 is formed with an access
hole 22 for receiving an electrical connector assembly 25 as
described herein. Access hole 22 provides access to channel 21, and
is sized to receive electrical connector assembly 25 so that
electrical connector assembly 25 can electrically interface with
electrical contacts carried by a lead inserted into channel 21.
[0034] As described herein, electrical connector assembly 25
integrates a conductive element with an elastomeric seal in order
to achieve a simplified structure. Accordingly, the need for a
separate seal and another access hole in connector bock structure
20 can be eliminated. In operation, a physician inserts a lead tip
into channel 21. The lead tip passes through channel 21 so an
electrical contact area carried by the lead tip is brought into
alignment with a conductive element of electrical connector
assembly 25, which is positioned inside access hole 22. A seal ring
of electrical connector assembly 25 biases against the inserted
lead to provide a fluid seal.
[0035] The components illustrated in FIG. 2 can provide a number of
advantages. For example, because electrical connector assembly 25
is oriented perpendicular to channel 21, successive electrical
connections can be placed very close to one another. In other
words, the invention can allow the pitch or "spacing" between
adjacent electrodes disposed axially along the lead tip to be
reduced, permitting an increased density of electrical
interconnections. Accordingly, the invention is particularly useful
for in-line lead systems, i.e., systems in which the medical lead
includes a number of electrical contacts disposed along axial
positions of the lead. In that case, structure 20 could include a
number of access holes 22. FIGS. 3 and 4 illustrate two such
examples.
[0036] In particular, FIG. 3 illustrates a connector block
structure 20B that includes a number of access holes 22B-22D
disposed along channel 21B. A number of electrical connector
assemblies 25B-25D, such as described in greater detail below, can
be positioned in holes 22B-22D so that upon insertion of a medical
lead into channel 21B, various in-line electrical contact surfaces
of the lead couple with electrical connector assemblies 25B-25D.
Moreover, because electrical connector assemblies 25B-25D also
incorporate fluid seals, the need for separate seals can be
avoided, which can allow for reduced pitch or "spacing" between
adjacent electrical contact surfaces disposed axially along the
lead.
[0037] FIG. 4 illustrates yet another connector block structure 20C
that includes a number of access holes 22E-22J disposed
respectively along channels 21C, 21D. In other words, connector
block structure 20C is formed with two channels 21C, 21D for
receiving two separate leads. In this example, each channel 21C,
21D includes three access holes 22E-22G and 22H-22J. Each hole
22E-22J receives one of the electrical connector assemblies
25E-25J, as described herein. Numerous other connector block
structures could also be used with electrical connector assemblies,
as described herein, e.g., making use of any number of channels and
any number of access holes for receiving any number of electrical
connector assemblies.
[0038] Another advantageous feature of electrical connector
assembly 25 (FIG. 2) is the incorporation of a conductive
electrical contact surface and an elastomeric seal into a common
assembly. Accordingly, the need for separate fluid seals between
conductive contact elements of connector module 7 (FIG. 1) can be
avoided. Such features can improve electrical coupling of leads to
the circuitry of IMD 1, and may also reduce fabrication costs
associated with production of IMD 1.
[0039] In accordance with various embodiments, the connector block
structure 20 of FIG. 2 may be oriented in any direction within
connector module 7 (FIG. 1). For example, connector block structure
20 may be oriented with access hole 22 at the top of connector
module 7, or at the bottom of connector module 7. In the latter
case, electrical connector assembly 25 is inserted upward through
the bottom of connector module 7 and connector module 7 is attached
to housing 5 during assembly of IMD 1. Other arrangements, however,
could also be used in accordance with the invention. For example,
connector block structure 20 can be entirely enclosed within
connector module 7, or could be arranged such that access hole 22
is accessible through the top of connector module. In the latter
case, hole 22 may be covered with silicone, or the like, during
assembly of IMD 1.
[0040] In any case, connector block structure 20 forms at least
part of connector module 7 (FIG. 1) and defines a channel 21 to
receive a proximal end of a medical lead. Electrical connector
assembly 25 can be inserted into access hole 22 during fabrication,
e.g., prior to insertion of the medical lead into channel 21.
[0041] FIG. 5 is a perspective view of electrical connector
assembly 25 comprising an elastomeric element 52 formed with a hole
54 to mate with a portion of a medical lead. FIG. 6 is a top view
of electrical connector assembly 25. Electrical connector assembly
25 includes a conductive element 56 conforming to an end of
elastomeric element 52 such that upon insertion of the medical lead
through hole 54, the conductive element 56 electrically couples to
the medical lead. Elastomeric element 52 is formed with a seal ring
62 inside hole 54 in order to bias against an inserted lead and
thereby provide a hermetic barrier. In addition, channel 67 formed
can be formed in elastomeric element 52, e.g., for receiving a
rigid outer ring (not shown in FIG. 5) to abut conductive element
56.
[0042] In the example of FIG. 5, conductive element 56 comprises a
conductive ring 57 with tab-like elements 58A-58F extending
radially inward from the ring. The conductive ring 57 fits about
the end of the electrometric element 52, and tab-like elements
58A-58F are bent to conform to an inner surface of hole 54.
Accordingly, conductive element 56 conforms to the edge of
elastomeric element 52 so that when a lead is inserted through hole
54 the lead contacts tab-like elements 58A-58F and elastomeric
element 52 biases tab-like elements 58A-58F against the lead in
order to ensure a good electrical interface. Once assembled into a
connector block structure, such as illustrated in FIGS. 2-4,
conductive ring 57 of conductive element 56 forms the electrical
contact surface that electrically couples a lead to circuitry
within IMD 1. For example, electrical wires that connect to
circuitry within IMD 1 can be welded or otherwise coupled to
conductive ring 57 or order to complete the electrical path from a
lead 2 to the IMD 1 through connector module 7.
[0043] FIG. 7 is a cross sectional side view of electrical
connector assembly 25 and a portion of a medical lead 60 inserted
through electrical connector assembly 25. Again, electrical
connector assembly 25 comprises an elastomeric element 52 formed
with a hole 54 to mate with a portion of medical lead 60.
Conductive element 56 conforms to an end of elastomeric element 52
such that, upon insertion of medical lead 60 through hole 54, the
conductive element 56 electrically couples to medical lead 60.
Elastomeric element 52 is formed with one or more seal rings 62A,
62B inside hole 54 in order to bias against an inserted lead and
thereby provide a hermetic barrier. In other words, seal rings 62A,
62B comprise elastomeric material extending radially inward with
respect to hole 54 such that, when medical lead 60 is inserted
through hole 54, seal rings 62A, 62B mechanically abut medical lead
60 to form a hermetic barrier.
[0044] As illustrated in FIG. 7, conductive element 56 comprises a
conductive ring 57 with tab-like elements 58A, 58D extending
radially inward from ring 57. The conductive ring 57 fits about the
end of the electrometric element 52, and tab-like elements 58A, 58D
are bent to conform to an inner surface of hole 54. Accordingly,
conductive element 56 conforms to the edge of elastomeric element
52 so that when a lead is inserted through hole 54 the lead
contacts tab-like elements 58A-58F and elastomeric element 52
biases tab-like elements 58A-58F against the lead in order to
ensure a good electrical interface.
[0045] Moreover, distal tips 59A, 59D of tab-like elements 58A, 58D
are bent toward the elastomeric element such that the tab-like
elements form J-like shapes, which conform to hole 54. When distal
tips 59A, 59D of tab-like elements 58A, 58D are bent toward the
elastomeric element such that the tab-like elements form J-like
shapes, lead insertion and removal can be improved. In particular,
because tab-like elements 58A, 58D are bent to form J-like shapes,
distal tips 59A, 59D will not catch or snag on lead 60 during
insertion or removal. FIG. 8 is a close up view of distal tip 59A
of tab-like element 58A being bent toward elastomeric element 52
such that the tab-like element 58A forms a J-like shape, which
conforms to the hole defined by electrical connector assembly 25.
The angle .quadrature. defined by distal tip 59A may be in the
range of 10-90 degrees, although the invention is not necessarily
limited in that respect.
[0046] Also depicted in FIG. 7 is a rigid outer ring 68 positioned
within a channel 67 formed in elastomeric element 52. Specifically,
rigid outer ring 68 is positioned adjacent conductive element 56 so
as to limit lateral movement of conductive element 56 upon
insertion of lead 60. In other words, during insertion of lead 60,
rigid outer ring 68 inhibits substantial give or movement of the
end of elastomeric element 52, which resides under conductive
element 56.
[0047] FIG. 9 is a perspective view of an exemplary conductive
element 56 comprising a conductive ring 57 and conductive tab-like
elements 58A-58F (collectively tab-like elements 58) extending
radially inward with respect to conductive ring 57. FIG. 10 is a
top view of conductive element 56, with tab-like elements 58 being
bent inward at an approximately 90 degree angle relative to the
position of tab-like elements 58 as shown in FIG. 8. FIG. 11 is a
side view of conductive element 56, with tab-like elements 58 being
bent inward at an approximately 90 degree angle relative to the
position of tab-like elements 58 as shown in FIG. 9.
[0048] FIGS. 12-15 are perspective views illustrating fabrication
of electrical connector assembly 25 as described herein. As shown
in FIG. 12, a bottle-cap-like conductive element 111 is fabricated.
Material is selectively removed from the interior of
bottle-cap-like conductive element 111 to create conductive element
56 as shown in FIG. 13. Tab-like elements 58A-58F are then bent
inward as illustrated in FIG. 14, and conductive element 56 is
assembled to an edge of elastomeric element 52 to define the
electrical connector assembly 25 illustrated in FIG. 15. In
particular, connector assembly 25 incorporates a conductive element
and an elastomeric seal ring 62.
[0049] Elastomeric element 52 may be injection molded to define
hole 54 and elastomeric seal ring 62 within hole 54. In addition,
channel 67 formed can be formed in elastomeric element 52, e.g.,
for receiving a rigid outer ring 68 to abut conductive element 56.
During fabrication, the distal ends of tab-like elements 58A-58F
bent towards elastomeric element 52 such that the distal tips form
a J-like shape that conforms to hole 54, e.g., as shown in FIGS. 7
and 8.
[0050] FIG. 16 is a flow diagram illustrating a process for
fabricating electrical connector assembly 25 as described herein.
As shown in FIG. 16, a conductive element 56 is formed (161), e.g.,
by creating a bottle-cap-like conductive element 111 and electively
removed from the interior of bottle-cap-like conductive element 111
to create conductive element 56 as shown in FIG. 13. In addition,
an elastomeric element 52 is formed to include a seal ring 62
within a hole 54 (162), e.g., by using injection molding
techniques. The conductive element 56 is then assembled with the
elastomeric element 52 to form an electrical connector assembly 56
that includes an integrated seal (163). The electrical connector
assembly 56 can then be placed in a connector block structure 20
during assembly of IMD 1.
[0051] A number of embodiments and features have been described.
These and other embodiments are within the scope of the following
claims.
* * * * *